Controversial St James’ Park referee dropped by EFL

Experienced referee Keith Stroud has been dropped by the English Football League for this weekend’s matches following a huge error in the game between Newcastle United and Burton Albion at St James’ Park on Wednesday evening according to the Chronicle Live.

The 47-year-old Bournemouth born official disallowed a Matt Ritchie penalty kick against The Brewers after fellow attacker Dwight Gayle was adjudged to have encroached in the 18 yard box. Stroud then should have ordered the spot kick to be retaken but instead awarded a free-kick to the visitors.

The whistler’s error will now see Stroud and his three fellow match officials removed from English Football League action this weekend as punishment for the mistake. Stroud was set to referee Gillingham’s Sky Bet League One match against Millwall at Priestfield Stadium but will now play no part in the round of fixtures.

Stroud was promoted to the English Football League’s list of officials in 2000 while he was listed as a FIFA assistant referee between 2004 and 2007. The veteran official is one of the most experienced in the English game after taking charge of a number of high profile matches throughout his career.

Despite his error on Tyneside, Newcastle United beat Burton Albion 1-0 with Ritchie finally notching a goal during the second half of the match.

About Author

I am Dan Pentland and I am a York City season ticket holder and volunteer for men's health charity Prostate Cancer UK. In May 2015, I completed my childhood dream of visiting all 92 Football League grounds. Follow me on Twitter @DanPentlandpcuk and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dpentlandawaydayspcuk/